Blind cut down machine

ABSTRACT

A blind cut-down apparatus for trimming a blind down to size the blind having at least a head rail component, and blind slats suspended from the head rail, and having a blind holding plate with an opening for holding the components in position for cutting, a slat cutter moveable relative to the holding plate for cutting blind components held in the holding plate, and including a movement device for moving the cutter. Also disclosed is a method of saw cutting ends of blind components in which the blind components are held in a head plate and in which a cutter cuts the components. Also disclosed is a blind cut down machine having a moveable head rail support mounted on a blind holder plate, with a moveable head rail opening in the support, with the support being selectively moveable into and out of position for accommodating various types of head rail.

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/596,956 now abandoned, title Rotary Saw Cutter Blade CutDown Machine, inventor Norbert Marocco. Assigned to Shade-O-Matic Ltd.,which was a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/360,316 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,388, title Rotary Saw Cutter BladeCut Down Machine, inventor Norbert Marocco. Assigned to Shade-O-MaticLtd.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a machine for trimming the ends of blinds andwindow coverings, in which the slats are formed of materials requiring asaw cut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blinds and window coverings are available in a variety of materials.Horizontal blinds are available in which the head rail, and in somecases, the bottom rails are formed of metal, usually steel, and in whichthe slats are formed of wood. In other cases slats may be formed ofmaterials such as thick thermo plastic or other heavier materials.

In some cases blinds may be available in which the slats are verticalbeing secured usually at the top to a head rail typically made of steel.Bottom rails are not usually required on this type of blind, since theslats are relatively heavy.

Such blinds must be fitted to the width, or in some cases the height andwidth, of the window or other opening for which they are intended. Inthe past blinds have been made in a factory, on a custom basis to aparticular width (and height) specified by the purchaser. A salespersonwould usually have had to call on the customer and take an order.However, it is more convenient to manufacture blinds and windowcoverings in certain standard widths, and stock these standard widths ina retail store. A customer may then simply come into the store and buy ablind slightly wider than the desired width (or longer than the height),and have it trimmed at the ends to the desired width (or height). Thisis both more economical, and thus more readily saleable, and at the sametime provides the customer with an opportunity to purchase blinds in aretail establishment and walk out of the store with them in hispossession, rather than meeting a salesperson at home, and waiting a fewweeks for them to be fabricated in a factory.

In the past various apparatus has been designed for cutting down widthsof horizontal blinds of specific designs and specific materials.However, in general terms, these machines have not been totally suitablefor cutting down blinds in which the slats are made of heavier (orthicker) materials, such as wood or thick thermoplastic.

In addition to these factors, blinds and window coverings are alsoavailable in which blind slats are suspended vertically from a headrail. These blind slats may be drawn to one side or the other of thewindow opening, or in some cases to both sides, and may be rotatedbetween open and closed positions, by a mechanism located in the headrail. Again, these blinds usually required a sales call, at the home,followed by custom fabrication in a factory.

Advantageously, these blinds too would be provided in standard widths,in a retail store and it would be desirable to provide an apparatus inthe store for cutting down the width of the head rail, and also thelengths of the vertical slats, in the case of vertical blinds. Verticalblinds, as well as horizontal blinds, also use blind slats which aremade of heavier or thicker materials such as wood or thickthermoplastic, and earlier machines such as those using shears orcutting blades are not suitable for cutting blind slats either verticalor horizontal, made of these thicker materials.

Preferably, in order to economize in-store installations of cut-downequipment and also to simplify instruction of staff, a single cut-downmachine will be provided which enables blinds having a metal head rail,and having slats formed of these heavier materials to be cut down to thedesired width (or height) in a single machine.

One of the considerations in designing such a cut-down machine is themanual effort that is required to operate the machine to cut through thehead rail materials and the different cutting action, namely a saw cutfor the heavier (and thicker) slat materials.

Clearly, metal such as steel, used in head rails, is relatively hard tocut. On the other hand, since the sections used in this type of productare relatively thin, the die for cutting the metal components of theblind may only be required to move a short distance.

Consequently, so long as adequate leverage is provided to move the metalcutting die a relatively short distance, this problem can be addressed.

On the other hand, the cutting of the blind slats themselves presentsentirely different problems. In this type of blind the slats are made ofrelatively thick materials which while easier to cut require a saw bladeaction. The thickness of all of the blind slats of these heaviermaterials when bundled together for cutting is considerable.Consequently, the saw for cutting these heavier, thicker blind slatsmust move a considerable distance.

While it is relatively easy to provide for the manual operation of sucha saw moving a considerable distance for cutting easier to cut thickermaterials, the problem becomes more complex when it is understood thatit is desirable, at least in the case of horizontal blinds, to cut allof the materials, both the metal head rail and the softer blind slats,in what is essentially a single cutting stroke.

This is because, at least in the case of horizontal blinds, the trimmingof the ends of the head rails and slats must in most cases be carriedout, so that the blind has a precisely measured width along each side,and the widths of the blind slats correspond to the widths of the headrail and bottom rail. This is not so important in the case of verticalblinds, but is still desirable.

Another type of blind, usually some what more inexpensive than the metalhead rail type of blind, uses a head rail made of thermoplastic, usuallyan extrusion. The material of the head rail is, in these cases, muchthicker than the thickness of a metal head rail. Consequently in thedesign of a machine for trimming blinds it is desirable to makeprovision for cutting down both types of blinds, ie those with metalhead rails and those with thermoplastic head rails. If all of theseblinds can be trimed in a single machine, this will greatly simplify themanagement of a retail store. Staff will be trained on only one machine.Use of valuable sales floor space, for such machine will be kept to aminimum. Capital investment will be reduced. Maintenance will besimplified.

It is not feasible to provide two machines, i.e. a first machine whichcuts only the head rail which is usually made of steel, and a secondmachine for an entirely separate cut for cutting the softer, thickerblind slats.

The moving of the blind from one machine to another will almostinevitably result in some discrepancy between the amount cut off fromthe head rail and the amount cut off from the blind slats, and the endresult will not be satisfactory.

In addition to these problems when cutting down of blind components suchas these formed on thermoplastic it is found that thermoplastic materialis generally unsuitable for cutting by means of a movable cutting diesuch as is used for cutting metal sections. Such thermoplastic sectioncomponents are however easy to cut when using other forms of cutterssuch as a rotary saw blades.

In this case it is found desirable to provide some form of componentsupport to hold the component so that the cut is formed cleanly and in adesired plane.

For these reasons therefore the provision of a cutdown machine meetingall of these objectives, i.e. being capable of cutting through both thesofter but thicker blind slats, and the harder but thinner metal headrail and bottom rail, and also the softer but thicker thermoplastic headrails and bottom rails of still further blinds, in a single manualcutting movement, and being capable of cutting thicker materials,presents a complex problem.

The complexity of the design is further aggravated by the fact that (inthe case of horizontal blinds) the head rail is located at the head ofthe blind and is usually made of metal, eg. steel, and the blind slats(of thicker material) are located spaced below the head rail.Consequently, when trimming the blind it is necessary to provide cuttingdies for cutting head rails and for substantially simultaneously cuttingthe thicker blind slats. It will of course be appreciated that in thecase of horizontal, i.e. Venetian blinds, all of these cuts must be madein a common plane, so as to provide a uniform end trimming function onthe blind. Even for vertical blinds, the vertical blind slats must betrimmed, along their lower ends, by cutting all the slat ends along acommon plane. Where such blinds have all thermoplastic components thenthe metal cutting portion of the cut down machine will not be used. Allof the thermoplastic component s can be cut down by some other form ofcutters, for example a saw blade cutter.

A further factor in this type of apparatus is that as far as possible itis desirable to simplify its operation for the service personnel in theretail outlet, so that the cutting or trimming of the ends of the blindmay be carried out with the least possible chance for error. Preferably,in order to do this, the apparatus will be constructed in such a waythat a single movement of a manual cutting arm or lever, will producethe cut down or trim function both in respect of the head rail cuttingdie and also the closure element saw blade, so that all the componentsof the blind are trimmed with a single manual stroke. When referring toa “manual” stroke it will be appreciated that, in fact, the apparatuscould be power operated. In some cases the head rails may also be ofsofter material, such as thermoplastic, and in these cases cutting forexample by a saw blade ,may be used to trim the ends of all the blindcomponents, ie the head rail the blind slats and the bottom rail (ifprovided).

It will further be appreciated that this type of equipment will be usedby service personnel in retail establishments. As such, while they willhave a certain degree of training, they will usually have numerous otherduties, and may in fact be working somewhat under pressure, while acustomer is actually waiting. Consequently, it is desirable as far aspossible to make the apparatus as simple to operate as is possible.

For this reason, it is desirable that the operating mechanism, in thiscase for example, a manual lever, shall operate both the head railcutting die and also the cutter for example a cutting saw.

Consequently, it is desirable to provide some form of linkage in whichboth the die and the cutter are operated.

It will also be appreciated that while reference is made to manualoperation, it is conceivable that some form of power operated meanscould be provided, which would still require some degree of manualoperation, if only to simply press a switch. Manual operation is deemedto be generic to all such forms of operation whether power assisted, ornot.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With a view to providing a blind cut down apparatus which addresses thevarious foregoing conflicting problems, the invention comprises a blindcut-down apparatus for trimming a blind having at least a head railcomponent of thin material, and blind slats of thicker materialsuspended from the head rail, and comprising a blind holding platehaving opening means for at least a head rail component and slatcomponents therein for receiving respective components of a blind therethrough, and holding them in position for cutting, a slat cuttermoveable relative to said holding plate, for cutting blind slatsextending through said holding plate.

Preferably in order to provide for cutting both thermoplastic componentsthe apparatus will also have a moveable head rail support adjacent tosaid slat cutter saw, having at least one opening for receiving saidhead rail there through, and being moveable relative to said holdingplate and including movement means for moving said slat cutter wherebyboth said blind slats and said head rail may be cut in a common planealong the surface of said holding plate.

Preferably the thermoplastic head rail support will be moveable into andout of position, depending upon whether the blind has all thermoplasticcomponents, or a mix of thermoplastic and of metal components.

The invention further provides for such a cut down apparatus andincluding a head rail cutting die secured to said holding plate, andsaid head rail cutting die being mounted to said die holder, wherebysaid head rail cutting die may move relative to said holding plate forcutting a said metal head rail extending there through.

The invention further provides such an apparatus and further having acutter guide attached to said holding plate and said cutter beingmoveable there along relative to said holding plate.

The invention further provides such an apparatus and in which manualmovement means are provides for moving both said cutting die and saidslat cutter, with said cutting die moving a short distance, and saidslat cutter moving a greater distance and in a common plane, under theinfluence of a single manual operating means.

The invention further provides for a slat clamping mechanism operable toclamp a bundle of slats extending through said holding plate, whereby tohold them stationary during operation of said slat cutter.

The invention further provides that the slat cutter is a saw bladepreferably operated by an electric motor, the saw blade comprising arotatable saw disk.

The invention further provides that the cutting die guide shall providea cutting die movement path which is diagonal to the movement path ofsaid slat cutter.

The invention further provides such an apparatus and including a vacuumfan and vacuum nozzle, located adjacent to said saw blade collecting sawcut debris resulting from the operation of said saw.

The invention further provides such an apparatus wherein the manualoperation means comprises a rotary shaft, a manual lever connected tosaid shaft, an operating cam connected to said shaft and engaging saidcutting die, and a movement transmission lever connected between saidshaft and said slat cutter, said transmission means are being operablethrough a path of movement greater than the path of movement of saidcutting die.

In a simplified form of the invention, both the head rail, and the blindslats, and even the bottom rail, can all be cut by a single slat cutterfor example a saw blade, and they can all be held in a single clampopening. This will become possible where, for example, the head rail andbottom rail are made out of a non-metallic material, such asthermoplastic which is easily cut by means of a saw blade.

In this form of the invention a moveable head rail support is provided,having head rail holding openings therein. The head rail holder plate ismoveable between inoperable and operable positions, and in the operableposition, the head rail openings register with the openings in theholder plate. In this way both the head rail and blind slats are held inposition fixed and immovable, suitable for cutting by the the slatcutter for example a cutting saw.

The invention further provides an embodiment in which a moveable headrail support is formed with a plurality of head rail openings of varyingshapes, for holding head rails of corresponding varying cross sections.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated and described preferredembodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a down machine from the sawblade side, illustrating the invention and showing blind componentsinserted therein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 1 viewedfrom the opposite side;

FIG. 3 is a section along the line 3—3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side illustration of the head rail cut down dieportion of the apparatus, shown in a first position;

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the cut down die in asecond position, and showing movement in phantom;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of the cutdown machine;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a simplified form of cut downmachine where the slat cutter will cut all of the blind componentsnamely the head rail, the blind slats and the bottom rail, in a singlepass;

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 8, shownfrom the opposite side;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevational view of a further embodiment tothe invention showing an optional moveable head rail support, thesupport being in its inoperable position in FIG. 10, and,

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view corresponding to FIG. 10, and showingthe moveable head rail support moved into its operable position.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

Referring first of all to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention is thereillustrated in the form of a blind cut down machine indicated generallyas 10. Such a machine is intended to be installed at a retail store, andwould be bolted on a working surface somewhere in a service area awayfrom the customers.

As explained above the purpose of the apparatus 10 is to be capable oftrimming the head rail and slats both of horizontal or so calledVenetian blinds, and also the head rail and slats of vertical blinds.

Where a Venetian blind has a bottom rail, then the apparatus is alsocapable is cutting down the bottom rail, if such a blind has a bottomrail.

It should also be understood that in the case of Venetian blinds, theVenetian blind is already assembled so that there are so called laddertapes and also raise cords which are already attached to the slats, andconnected to the head rail.

As a result, when trimming the ends of the blind head rail and slats, inVenetian blinds it will be understood that it is necessary to insertboth the head rail (and bottom rail) and the slats into the trimmingapparatus at the same time, so that the trim cuts are made in a commonplane. It will be further understood that in the great majority ofcases, when trimming a Venetian blind, it is necessary to trim the headrail (and bottom rail if provided) and slats at both ends, so as toproduce an even appearance in the finished cut down blind. If, forexample, the blind must be cut down by, for example, a total of twoinches, then the slats and the head rail (and bottom rail if provided)at each end will have to be cut down by an amount of one inch, so as toproduce a total two inch cut down.

On the other hand, with vertical blinds, the normal industry practice isto supply the head rail with its trolleys, and operating mechanism, andto supply a group of closure elements, ie. blind slats, in a package,with the slats separate from and detached from the head rail. In thiscase, the normal practice is to cut down the head rail at one end only,since the controls for the blind are usually located in a fixed locationat the opposite end of the head rail.

In vertical blinds the blind slats will usually be cut down only alongtheir lower ends, since they are usually provided with some form ofattachment means at their upper ends for connecting to the trolleys inthe head rail when the blind is finally assembled and installed.

From this preliminary outline, it will be understood that the apparatusillustrated should preferably perform these varied functions ondifferent types of blind products, and on different types of materials,so that a single cut down machine may be supplied to the retailer andthe retail staff trained on that single machine, thereby avoiding theexpense of supplying several different cut down machines and trainingstaff on several machines.

Referring once again to the drawings, the apparatus 10 will be seen inthis embodiment to comprise a base or mounting plate 12, and a frameplate 14 mounted thereon perpendicular thereto. The frame plate 14 isprovided with a rectangular opening 16 for receiving blind componentstypically a head rail indicated as H, and closely spaced thereto,closure elements ie. blind slats S, and in this case, a blind bottomrail R. The blind illustrated, typically would be a Venetian blind, andit will be understood that the ladder tapes and raise cords are notillustrated simply for the sake of clarity, and to avoid complexity inthe illustration. Frame plate 14 also defines two upwardly directedsupport arms 18—18, defining between them a generally U-shapedrectangular space, for reasons to be described below. Mounted on frameplate 14 there is a spacer plate 20, and fixed head rail holder plate22.

In order to cut the head rail H which typically, in one case, will bemade of thin relatively hard material, typically metal, a moveablecutting die plate 24 is provided. The fixed head rail holder plate 22 ,and the moveable cutting die plate 24 are mounted in a common pair ofchannels 26—26—secured to frame plate 14. Fixed head rail holder plate22 defines a rectangular slot like fixed head rail opening 28 of a shapethat corresponds to the shape of the head rail H so as to hold itsecurely during cutting. In this particular embodiment, provision ismade for two different shapes of head rails. For this purpose, a secondfixed head rail opening 29 is provided, which in this case, is locatedwithin the dimensions of the fixed head rail opening 28.

Moveable die plate 24 carries with it a cutting die 30 which has acorresponding rectangular slotted recess corresponding to the shape ofthe head rail H and opening 28. Moveable plate 24 also carries a secondcutting die 31, located within the dimensions of the cutting die 30, forcutting the smaller head rail placed through the smaller fixed head railopening 29.

Movement of the moveable plate 24 relative to the fixed holder plate 22will cause movement of the cutting die 30 (or 31) and this will sever orshear the material of the head rail H. It will be appreciated that sincethe head rail H is of relatively thin gauge material, the die plate 24will not move a great distance. On the other hand, considerable forcemust be exerted on the die plate 24 in order for it to perform theshearing action. It will also be noted from FIGS. 1 and 2 that thechannels 26—26 which hold and control the moveable die plate 24, alsodefine its path of movement relative to the head rail H. This path ofmovement will be seen to be in a generally diagonal direction. Thereason for this is that the shearing action of the cutting die 30 ispreferably of a progressive nature, and will shear the head rail H in adirection which is diagonal to its rectangular cross section from onecorner to the other.

The moveable die plate 24 is moved by means of the manual lever 32.Lever 32 is coupled to a drive shaft 34. Shaft 34 extends through frameplate 14 and through fixed plate 22. Within fixed plate 22, there ismounted an offset drive stub shaft 36. By this means, by manualoperation of lever 32, the shaft 34 can be rotated thereby rotating andcausing an orbital movement of the drive stub shaft 36. This will causesliding movement of the plate 24 relative to the fixed plate 22, therebyshearing the head rail H.

The slat cutting assembly for cutting the blind slats (and bottom rail)is indicated generally as 40. It will be seen, in this embodiment, tocomprise a saw blade mounting plate 42, which is secured to a slideblock 44. Block 44 is mounted on slide rails 46—46 extending between theupright arms 18.

On the lower end of the saw plate 42, there is mounted a rotary sawassembly indicated as 48. The saw assembly 48 is essentially a typicalelectric motor, coupled by a shaft (not shown) to a rotary saw blade 49of a type well known in the art. For simplicity, an operating handle 50may be provided, on the saw assembly 48, for manually drawing the saw 48to and fro along the rails 46. The spacer plate 20 is secured to theframe plate 14, so as to space the saw mounting plate 42 in the correctplane, so as to bring the saw blade into alignment with the interfacebetween the fixed plate 22 and the moveable die plate 24. This isrequired so that the trimming cut down action both of the saw blade andof the moveable die plate 24, shall produce trimming of both the headrail and the blind slats, and the bottom rail where it is included in acommon plane.

In order to ensure that the saw debris does not fly about, a hollowcollection tube 54 is provided. Tube 54 is provided with a plurality ofopenings (not shown) along the length of the saw blade travel.

One end the hollow tube 54 may be connected, for example, by vacuum hose56 (FIG. 2) to a vacuum pump and motor which are indicated generally as58.

While the cutter is described as a saw, it will be apparent that thereare various other forms of cutters and blades which could provided acutting action for cutting the relatively softer blind slats.

In order to preset the length of end trim or cut down on any particularjob, the length cutting control indicated generally at 60 is provided.The length control 60 comprises a generally horizontal plate 62. Aslidable bar 64 is moveably connected to plate 62 by means of threadedscrew 66. A generally L-shaped spacer block 68 is secured to the end ofbar 64. A blind contact plate 70 is attached to the block 68 and isoriented to a contact at the ends of the head rails H and the blind slatS and the bottom rail.

The spacer block 68 and blind contact plate 70 may, in some cases, beconnected to the lever 32 and shaft 34 so that it moves away from theends of the blind component but this is not always necessary andconsequently, the mechanism is not described in detail.

In order to clamp the blind slats S and bottom rail R in position, to beheld firmly during the operation of the saw blade, a clamp plate 72 isprovided, secured to frame plate 14. A moveable clamp arm 74 is mountedon a screw shaft 76. A hand wheel 78 permits the screw shaft to be drawnto and fro, thereby drawing the clamp arm into contact with the blindslats and bottom rail (FIG. 2).

In operation, the head rail H and blind slats S and bottom rail R areinserted as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The clamp arm 74 is operated so asto clamp the blind slats S and bottom rail R in position.

The lever 32 is then operated so as to move the moveable die plate 24(FIGS. 4 and 5) thereby severing the head rail H.

Thereafter, the operator may simply manually grasp the handle 50 andswitch on the motor 48, by any suitable electrical switch (not shown).The saw blade is then drawn through the blind slats and the bottom rail.

All of the blind components therefore are cut in a common plane whilebeing held in position in the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the operating means in this case,the lever 32, although other operating means could be used whether handoperated or power operated, for operating the die plate 24, and theoperation of the saw assembly 48 and its sliding mount 44, may becoupled together. In order to provide this coupling, a first spring 80may be provided. The spring 80 is connected between the lever 32 and aconnecting bar 82 which is itself mounted on the slide block 44. Manualoperation of the lever 32 will thus be communicated to the slide block44 by the increased tension developed in spring 80.

In order to provide a slow progressive movement of the saw assembly, adamper means, namely a control cylinder 84 is provided. Cylinder 84 ismounted on a flange 86 on plate 18, and the piston rod of cylinder 84 isconnected to bar 82.

The operation of the cylinder 84 is such as to cause a progressivegradual movement of the saw blade assembly 48 (FIG. 7), in response totensioning of the spring 80, thereby producing a slow, progressive,gradual movement of the saw blade assembly 48 so as to provide a smooth,regular cut through the ends of the blind slats and bottom rail.

In order to return the block 44, and the saw blade assembly 48, thereturn spring 88 is provided. Spring 88 connects between block 44 andframe 18.

In order to provide automatic on/off operation of the saw blade assembly48, a typical limit switch 90 is provided, being operated by a finger 92on block 44. As soon as the spring 80 is placed in tension, the finger92 will release the limits switch 90 thereby activating the motor in thesaw blade assembly 48.

Once the return spring 88 returns to the block 44, the finger 92 willcontact the switch 90 and thereby shut off power to the motor and stopthe saw blade assembly 48.

In addition, suitable end stops 94 and 96 may be provided on the twoframe portions 18—18, so as to limit the length of travel of the block44.

While the apparatus already described is suitable for use where, forexample, the head rail is made of a metallic material, and the slats andbottom rail are made of a softer material suitable for cutting by meansof a cutter, for example a saw blade, it will be appreciated that incertain cases it may be possible to fabricate the head rail itself outof a softer material, so that it too may be cut by a cutter that alsocuts the blind slats.

A modified simplified form of apparatus for this purpose is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

In this simplified apparatus, a fixed holder plate 100, is mounted on abase plate 102. A blind component opening 104 is formed in plate 100. Acomponent buffer 106 is mounted on plate 100.

A component clamp arm 108 is mounted on screw 110 operated by hand wheel112.

Blind components consisting of a non-metallic head rail H, blind slatsS, and a bottom rail R, are all passed through the opening 104. The edgeof the head rail H abuts against buffer 106, while the bottom plate isclamped by means of clamp 108, thereby securing the blind components inposition for cutting.

A blade mounting 114, carries a cutter, in this example a rotary sawblade 116, driven by any suitable motor means (not shown). Arm 114 issecured to slide bearings 118. Bearings 118 are spaced apart from oneanother and ride on guide rods 120.

A collector channel 122 is secured to plate 100, and defines an openingalong which blade 116 can travel. In this way, saw dust and debris fromthe saw blade cutting through the blind components, can fall down intothe channel. The channel will be connected to a suitable vacuum source(not shown) in essentially the same manner as described above.

Blind component end stops are provided in the form of a transverse stopbar 124, mounted on a slide body 126, which is slidable to provide afixed stop and which can be secured by means such as clamp screws 128.

The plate 114 is operated by means of a handle 130 and a trigger switch132 is provided in handle 130, and when the trigger switch is depressed,the motor driving the blade 116 will commence operation.

In a still further embodiment to the invention, the advantages of boththe cutting apparatus of FIG. 1 and FIG. 9 may be provided in a singleapparatus.

In the apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 11, the essential features of theapparatus of FIGS. 1 through 9 is provided, and is deemed includedwithout reference.

In this embodiment, the apparatus is adaptable to either cut blinds inwhich the head rail is metallic and the slats are non-metallic, in whichcase the apparatus will employ the cutter die plate 24 and cutter die,for cutting the metallic head rail, or, the apparatus may be adapted forcutting a blind in which the head rail is made of softer materialstypically thermoplastic, which does not require cutting in a head raildie, but which can be cut simply by means of the slat cutter such as asaw.

To facilitate this, the apparatus of FIGS. 10 and 11 provides a moveablehead rail support 140, mounted alongside the frame plate 14. Typically,the moveable head rail support 140 will be mounted above the slatopening 16. The moveable head rail 140 will be slidably mounted in guidechannels 142. Any suitable form of locking device 144 is provided forholding the support 140 in, for example, its upper inoperative position.

The moveable head rail support 140 is provided with the first head railreceiver in the form of slots 146—146, which are parallel and spacedapart from one another. They are oriented to support the two side wallsof the typical three sided head rail channel, such as 28, 29 (FIG. 3).

Between the two slots 146—146 a head rail support shoulder 148 isprovided, for supporting the web or intermediate walls of the typicalhead rail channel H2.

A further head rail receiver is provided by slot 150 located betweenslots 146—146. The head rail slot 150, coupled with the lower slot 146,will allow a smaller size rectangular head rail to be supported by themoveable head rail support 140.

Head rail slot 150 can receive a small head rail typical in so-called“Mini-blinds” having smaller slats.

When the moveable head rail support 140 is in its upper inoperativeposition, the apparatus will typically be used for cutting a blindcutting slats indicated as S1, which will be cut by the saw, and ametallic head rail indicated as H1 which will be cut by the head railcutting die already described.

Typically, however, when the moveable head rail support 140 is in itslower operative position as shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus will be usedfor cutting slats indicated as S2, and a head rail indicated as H2. Inthis case the moveable head rail support registers with a portion of theslat opening 16. This permits the trim end of the head rail received inthe head rail receiver, 146 or 150, to project through slat opening 16,(FIG. 11), into the path of the slat cutter.

In each case, the cutting of smaller blinds having narrower slats and asmaller head rail is not illustrated, but is deemed to beself-explanatory.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, is capable of handling blindsconsisting of all thermoplastic components, on the one hand, and a mixof thermoplastic components and metal components on the other.

As mentioned above the existence of some blinds using all thermoplasticcomponents makes it desirable to provide such a machine which isadaptable to cutting down either type of blind. Where the head rail andbottom rail components are formed of thermoplastic then the using ofmetal cutting dies is found to be unsuitable. Instead it is found to bepreferable to use some other form of cutter, for example the rotarycutting saw, to cut all the components when they are all ofthermoplastic.

In this case as explained the holder plate 22 and cutting die plate 24are not used.

After positioning the moveable plate 140 in its operative position,registering with slat opening 16, and inserting the head rail, slats andbottom rail, and operating the clamp, the rotary saw is then switchedon. As it is drawn past plate 14 it will cut the bottom rail, the slatsand then the head rail H2.

Clearly, if desired a similar moveable support plate (not shown) couldbe provided with an opening for holding a bottom rail. This might bedesirable where for example the bottom rail was profiled or hollow. Sucha bottom rail support would of course be located somewhere along thelength of the opening 16. However in most cases this will not be needed.Blinds of this type are often made without a bottom rail, or, if one isprovided, it is simply formed of solid plastic but somewhat thicker thanthe slats, and can therefore be held by the clamp for cutting.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is given here by way of example only. The invention isnot to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described,but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A method of operating a blind cut-down apparatus for trimming alength of a plurality of blind slats and a head rail of a blind, theplurality of blind slats being suspended from the head rail, the blindcut down apparatus having a blind holding plate, a blind slat opening inthe blind holding plate, a movable head rail support member movablymounted on the blind holding plate for supporting the head rail andbeing movable into a head rail supporting position, the methodcomprising the steps of: moving the movable head rail support memberinto the head rail supporting position; positioning the head rail in themovable head rail support member; positioning a group of the pluralityof blind slats in the blind slat opening and holding said group of theplurality of blind slats in position for cutting; operating a movementtransmission for moving a head rail cutting die relative to the blindholding plate for cutting the head rail; and moving a rotary sawrelative to the blind holding plate for cutting the plurality of blindslats extending through the blind holding plate.
 2. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the blind further comprises a bottom rail, andwherein said rotary saw is moved during said cutting step through saidbottom rail in addition to the plurality of blind slats.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, further comprising the step of moving a movableclamp member against said bottom rail in order to move said bottom railtoward the plurality of blind slats.
 4. The method according to claim 3,further comprising the step of removing debris caused by said cuttingstep.
 5. A method of operating a blind cut-down apparatus for trimming alength of a plurality of blind slats and a head rail of a blind, theplurality of blind slats being suspended from the head rail, the blindcut down apparatus having a blind holding plate, and a blind slatopening in the blind holding plate, a movable head rail support membermovably mounted on the blind holding plate for supporting the head railand being movable into a head rail supporting position, the movable headrail support member having a cutting means, the method comprising thesteps of: moving the movable head rail support member into the head railsupport position; positioning the head rail in the movable head railsupport member; positioning a group of the plurality of blind slats inthe blind slat opening and holding said group in position for cutting;operating a movement transmission for moving said cutting means forcutting the head rail, said cutting means having a path of movement thatis at diagonal relative to the head rail; and operating a rotary blindslat cutter for cutting the plurality of blind slats.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein said cutting means comprises a movable cutting dieplate.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said path has a substantiallydiagonal direction relative to the head rail, the head rail having agenerally rectangular cross section, said generally rectangular crosssection being measured from a first corner to another second corner. 8.The method of claim 5, wherein said cutter comprises a blind slatcutter, and wherein the method further comprises the steps ofpositioning the plurality of blind slats in the blind slat opening andholding the plurality of blind slats in the position for cutting, andmoving said rotary blind slat cutter relative to the holding plate forcutting the plurality of blind slats extending through the blind holdingplate.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of moving acutting die along said path of movement, said path of movement being atan angle to a movement of said blind slat cutter.
 10. A method ofoperating a blind cut-down apparatus for trimming a length of aplurality of blind slats and a head rail of a blind, the plurality ofblind slats being suspended from the head rail, the blind cut downapparatus having a blind holding plate, and a blind slat opening in theblind holding plate, a movable head rail support member movably mountedon the blind holding plate for supporting the head rail and beingmovable into a head rail supporting position, the movable head railsupport member having cutting means, the method comprising the steps ofmoving the movable head rail support member into the head rail supportposition; positioning the head rail in the movable head rail supportmember; positioning a group of the plurality of blind slats in the blindslat opening and holding said group in position for cutting; operating amovement transmission for moving said cutting means for cutting the headrail, said cutting means having a path of movement that is at an anglerelative to the head rail; and operating a cutter for cutting theplurality of blind slats, wherein said cutter comprises a blind slatcutter; and wherein the method further comprises the steps ofpositioning the plurality of blind slats in the blind slat opening andholding the plurality of blind slats in position for cutting, and movingsaid blind slat cutter relative to the holding plate for cutting theplurality of blind slats extending through the blind holding plate;wherein said blind slat cutter cuts the plurality of blind slats andcomprises a rotary saw, wherein said rotary saw is mounted on a sawblade guide connected to the blind holding plate, and wherein said sawblade guide is moved therealong relative to the blind holding plate forcutting the plurality of blind slats.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the blind further comprises a bottom rail, and wherein themethod has the step of moving a movable clamp member against said bottomrail for moving said bottom rail toward the plurality of blind slats.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of moving saidblind slat cutter through said bottom rail in addition to the pluralityof blind slats, wherein said blind slat cutter is for cutting theplurality of blind slats and said bottom rail.
 13. The method of claim12, further comprising the step of removing debris caused by saidcutting step.
 14. A method of operating a blind cut-down apparatus fortrimming a length of a plurality of blind slats and a head rail of ablind, the plurality of blind slats being suspended from the head rail,the blind cut-down apparatus including a blind holding plate, a blindslat opening in the blind holding plate, a fixed head rail holder plate,a movable head rail support member movably mounted on said blind holdingplate for supporting the head rail and being movable into a head railsupporting position, the movable head rail support member having acutting means, the method comprising the steps of: moving the movablehead rail support member into the head rail support position;positioning the head rail in the movable head rail support member;positioning a group of the plurality of blind slats in the blind slatopening and holding said group in position for cutting by a rotarycutter; operating a movement transmission device for moving the cuttingmeans, said movement transmission device being eccentrically mountedrelative to the fixed head rail holder plate and the movable head railsupport member; and operating said rotary cutter for cutting theplurality of blind slats extending through the blind holding plate. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the cutting means is a movable cuttingdie plate.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the movement transmissiondevice comprises a manual lever and a drive shaft that extends throughthe fixed head rail holder plate and the movable head rail supportmember.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising an offset drivestub shaft mounted in the fixed head rail holder plate.
 18. The methodof claim 17, further comprising the step of operating said manual leverfor rotating said drive shaft causing an orbital movement of said drivestub shaft for moving said movable cutting die plate to cut the headrail.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the movement path of saidmovable cutting die plate is in a diagonal direction relative to thehead rail.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein said blind furthercomprises a bottom rail, and wherein the method has the step of movingsaid rotary cutter relative to the blind holding plate for cutting theplurality of blind slats and said bottom rail.